Does anyone know what the normal charge is by banks in Western Europe to use their ATM machines? I have the charges by my bank, the conversion fees, etc., but was told the banks can tack on their own charge just like ATMs here in US. What's been your experience with this? Also, has anyone taken their Debit card INTO a bank for cash advance and what fees are there to give cash (again, not by US bankcard company)? Thanks.

I've never been charged by a bank ATM in europe to use a debit card.

Nor does my bank here charge me - why would I pay my own bank to take out my own money? (If yours is charging you, you need a different bank.)

There is no obvious fee charged by any bank in Europe. At least not in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria (the countries where I have used ATMs).

I too have never had a charge (that I could detect) from a European bank when using ATMs.

No charge for BANK ATMs. But not all ATMs are affliated with banks. Often located in convenience areas - casinos, convenience stores, post-office, etc. These do charge (and usually a lot). Check the ATMs carefully before using.

I have gone into the bank many times over the years to get a "cash advance" on my debit card with NO charges by the foreign bank and NO charges by my bank other than the normal currency exchange fee. My card is tied to my brokerage account. I have used the parenthesis because you, like I was, will be chastised for using that term in this context. But go ahead and call it that since our cardholder agreement refers to it in that way.

Never paid a fee to a European bank to use an ATM (I do pay Bank of America my own bank a fee for each international transaction).

My own bank now charges a 1% "foreign transaction fee" (including ATM withdrawals) on the VISA debit card.
The banks in Europe have never added a single solitary eurocent in fees as best I can determine.
I have a question related to this topic.
Has anyone used their debit cards at the foreign exchange booths in airports? I sometimes see the VISA and M/C logos at these booths when passing them on the way to the ATM.

Thank you all, you have answered my question. nytraveler, I meant that if, for example, I took my Wells Fargo card to a BofA ATM machine, BofA might charge me since I am not their customer. I do not pay my bank to use their machines. I'm set I'll pay the 1% conversion fee and have fun!

Sammie - EU banks are not permitted to charge a fee for ATM withdrawals. Simple as that.

If you use an independent and/or standalone as we find in the States, in the grocery store, newstand, etc. - here you may be charged, so check if there are fees associated with those - or just find an ATM with the Cirus or Plus/Visa and MC logos and you'll be fine.

What you have to determine is whether BofA charges for ATM use in foreign countries? Or what bank affiliations that have in foreign countries where you won't be assessed a fee.

The conversion fee is associated with Credit Card use for purchases - restaurants, shops. 1% charged by Visa or M/C and between 2% to 3% by the financial institution issuing the credit card. There are few financial insitutions that charge no fee - credit unions, and one or two financial institutions.

Don't use your credit card as an ATM card, as then you'd be taking a cash advance and be charged finance charge the minute the foreign bills pop out of the ATM.

Use ATM cards for ATMs, Use Credit Card for purchases.

Thanks Sandi. I have a brokerage account debit card which I will use at ATMs. They told me that I can also get cash inside a bank with it and not have the interest charge that is associated with cash advance on a credit card since it is a debit card. They charge the 1% conversion fee but do not charge more, but as you noted, the ATM itself might. Unfortunately the credit card is 3% - oh, well. I will still shop

Sandi,
Bank of America has an international agreement with BNP-Paribas to allow use of their ATM machines without a user fee. They operate in France and possibly other countries.

Sandi,
Here is an article regarding the alliance between Bank of America and BNP Paribas, as well as other banks:

http://www.bankofamerica.com/newsroo...m&LOBID=11

Is there a Bank ATM at FCO? Or is it a private ATM located at the airport that will charge a fee?

European ATM's, whether at the airport or in town, do not charge a fee for withdrawal of funds. Your bank will charge any applicable fees.

In light of the questions I'm sure Budman meant to say "European BANK ATMs do not charge a fee". We all know that there are privately owned ATMs in various places in towns and perhaps some at airports as well, like next to giftshops or restaurants that WILL charge a fee. Since the question remains if the ATM's in airports are bank ones that don't charge a fee, the answer is yes -- mostly they are bank owned and do not charge a fee.